Foreign accent syndrome post tonsillectomy: A case report

Abstract

Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS) is a rare clinical entity in which affected patients experience a new pattern of speech resembling an unusual accent. Reported cases are scarce in published literature and are usually the result of a neurological insult. FAS as a complication from a general anesthetic or surgery has not been reported to date. We present the case of a healthy 27‐year‐old Australian woman who developed FAS following a tonsillectomy. Post operatively, speech patterns resembled an Irish accent. We discuss the potential mechanisms of the unusual complication as well as review the available literature surrounding FAS.